LOCAL rail operator c2c has honoured train driver Alan Mann for his 50 years of service on the railway.

At an event at c2c's Shoeburyness depot, Alan was met by Hannah Watson, c2c Head of Drivers, and Colin North, c2c Driver Depot Manager, with a selection of cakes and sweet treats to celebrate this amazing milestone. Alan was presented with a decorative pin badge to celebrate his 50 years at c2c along with assorted photos and memorabilia displayed during the event. 

Alan started his rail career in November 1975 as a cleaner at the Stratford depot and a year later became a fireman/driver's assistant. In 1977, he trained on the steam boilers and in February 1981 became a fully-fledged Driver.

He moved to the Tilbury Riverside depot in late 1981, before transferring onto electric class 302s. Since 1984, Alan has been based at Shoeburyness and has had a front row seat to the many changes that have come to pass on the railway in that time.

Alan's grandfather was excused conscription during WWI becasue of his valued service on the railways.

Alan represents the third generation of railway workers in his family, as both his father and grandfather also worked on the railway. His grandfather started in circa 1916, during the hight of WW1 and enjoyed a long career in the railway industry.

Meanwhile, Alan's father joined in circa 1946 and retired after 47 years of service in 1993 – meaning Alan's family has clocked up well over 100 years of service, representing over half of the entire time the passenger railway has been in existence in the UK.

Part of the memorabilia that Alen brought to the event was his grandfather's War Permit from WW1. Dated from 1916, the card still had coal dust on it and is an incredible piece of railway history.

More than that, Alan showcased pictures of his father's retirement party in 1993, as well as a picture of himself and colleagues on the railway in 1977.

Alan's dad

c2c Managing Director, Rob Mullen, said: "What can be said about Alan and his incredible achievement? To be a part of the railway for fifty years is utterly astonishing and everyone at c2c (including myself) is in awe of the vast experience he has amassed.

"As 2025 is the year that the UK celebrates Railway 200, stories like Alan's are a reminder of how amazing the railway really is. The railway has a great legacy of generational workers and Alan's family is one of the absolute best examples of that.

"To not just mark 50 years of service but to make a generational impact of over 100 years alongside his father and grandfather shows the dedication and longevity of the railways and how it has been a constant through modern British history."

Alan said: "It is amazing to reach 50 years in the railway and I was delighted to bring these pictures of my father and grandfather today. When I look back on it, the time has gone by so quickly and I have been amazed by the changes I have seen over the years."

Colin North, c2c Driver Depot Manager, added: "I've loved hearing about Alan's experience and stories from his past, he's been a friendly and welcoming colleague that always has time to stop, chat and share a few laughs with. A true railwayman!"